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Gain in-depth specialist knowledge of how to apply physics to understand the origins and evolution of the universe.

Learn about the fundamental theoretical physics describing the intertwining of space, time, matter and energy. Topics covered include exoplanets, galaxies, cosmology, stars and stellar evolution, general relativity and high energy astrophysics.

You’ll study physical systems under conditions that exceed anything we could conceivably create on Earth, such as extrasolar planets or the extreme end states of stellar evolution. You’ll learn how to assemble evidence from astronomy to build theoretical models of the cosmos.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills of an independent scientist, with sound mathematical and experimental expertise, and the ability to solve complex problems on your own.

The Master of Physics (MPhys) degree gives you the opportunity to enhance and deepen your knowledge compared to BSc courses, particularly in topics at the forefront of research. You’ll study masters-level units and carry out a major research project, giving you ideal preparation for postgraduate study or a career in research.

Teaching

You’ll learn from academics with expertise across different research areas, from fundamental physics to technological applications. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience.

Facilities

You’ll learn in well-equipped undergraduate teaching laboratories as well as our specialist research laboratories, depending on the specialisation you choose, to carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers. Some projects also involve links with research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.

Staff in the Department are really approachable and you’ll have regular contact with an Academic and Personal Tutor on a one-to-one basis, as well as through small group tutorials.

Careers

Our graduates go on to a diverse and interesting range of careers such as scientific research and development, engineering, telecommunications, banking, finance, meteorology, oil, gas and space exploration. Many of our graduates also choose to go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers. Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

Find out more about studying physics at Bath:

Course structure

This course lasts 5 years. It starts in September 2019 and ends in 2024. Induction week starts on 23 September 2019.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. Sixty credits are the equivalent of 1200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Placement

Apply your skills and knowledge to a year working full-time in a scientific or other professional organisation. It is an excellent opportunity to evaluate future career paths and broaden your experience and transferable skills, giving a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.

You can choose from a wide range of roles to match your interests, from working in marketing to a lab-based role at a research institute. We have links with some of the industry’s leading companies and recent employers include BAE Systems, CERN, Dyson, Morgan Stanley, Rolls-Royce and Samsung.

Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.

Assessment

Typical assessment breakdown

This average assessment breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Your specific unit choices will determine the actual breakdown of assessment methods that you will experience.

% written exam

% practical exam

% coursework

Year

Written Exam

Practical Exam

Coursework

Year 1

72%

20%

8%

Year 2

79%

20%

1%

Year 3

0%

0%

100%

Year 4

70%

0%

30%

Year 5

45%

0%

55%

Typical contact time breakdown

This average contact time breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Scheduled learning and teaching may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Your optional unit choices will determine your actual personal contact hours.

% time in scheduled learning and teaching

% time in independent study

% time in placement/year abroad

Year

Scheduled

Independent

Placement

Year 1

30%

70%

0%

Year 2

31%

69%

0%

Year 3

0%

0%

100%

Year 4

25%

75%

0%

Year 5

42%

58%

0%

This information shows typical student contact time based on information from the 2016/17 academic year. For new courses, this information is based on a typical choice of optional units.

Professional accreditations

By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.

Entry requirements

Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying physics. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications.

Origin of qualifications

Select the country where your qualification comes from.

British qualifications

A level
Typical offer

A*AA

A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A* in Maths or Physics.

If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

A level
Alternative offer

AAA

AAA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics plus one of:

grade A in an EPQ

grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer. If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
Typical offer

36 points

36 points overall with 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Mathematics and Physics.

We have a strong preference for applicants who offer Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level. We may be able to consider you if you are studying one of these subjects at Standard Level (but not both). Our offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics or Physics plus 7 in Standard Level Mathematics or Physics.

BTEC
Typical offer

Unfortunately BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas (QCF) and BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) are not a suitable route for this course.

See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.

Cambridge Pre-U
Typical offer

D2, D3, D3

D2, D3, D3 in three principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics with D2 in Mathematics or Physics.

Cambridge Pre-U
Alternative offer

D3, D3, D3

D3, D3, D3 in three principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics plus one of:

grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives

grade A in an EPQ

grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.

Scottish Highers
Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics plus AAAAA in five Scottish Highers.

Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer

39 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma in Science or Science and Engineering, with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Mathematics units and 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Physics units.

Our Physics courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science or Engineering, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics and Physics to be able to succeed in our courses. You will need to have studied Mathematics units worth at least 12 credits (including Calculus) and Physics units worth at least 12 credits. However, due to the time-limited nature of Access programme delivery, it is expected that you will have also completed a significant level of independent study in order to further develop and refine these skills. Most recent successful applicants have studied a significant amount of Mathematics independently, or completed some of the Mathematics A level syllabus alongside their Access studies.

Open University credits
Typical offer

Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of Pass Grade 2 with 80% in both S112: Science: concepts and practice and a Level 2 Mathematics unit worth 30 credits.

Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 120 credits including at least 30 credits at Level 2. We would ideally be looking for you to be taking units including S112: Science: concepts and practice, MST124: Essential Mathematics 1 and MST224: Mathematical Methods. his information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.

Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans/grants for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.

Combinations of qualifications
Typical offer

Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.

We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, such as A levels and a BTEC:

A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics plus D3 in a Pre-U principal subject

A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics plus 6 in an IB HL Certificate. While we do not consider the IB Careers Programme for entry, we are able to consider the combinations of components that are typically offered by this route, such as BTEC and IB HL Certificate combinations

A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics plus A in the LIBF Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS)

We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications if they are in the same subject area.

GCSE requirements

GCSE English grade C or 4 (or equivalent from category C).

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements

Canadian qualifications

Secondary School Diploma

an average of 90% in the Diploma with 90%, 88%, 88% in three Year 12 subjects including Calculus & Vectors and Physics.

We also accept the Canadian International Matriculation Programme. Our requirements are the same as for the Secondary School Diploma.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Japanese qualifications

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Russian qualifications

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Jordanian qualifications

General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Emirati qualifications

Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihiyya)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard)

We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Thai qualifications

Higher Secondary School Certificate (Mathayom Suksa 6)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Chinese qualifications

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Canadian International Matriculation Programme

We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

South Korean qualifications

Ilbankye Kodung Hakkyo (General High School Diploma)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Hong Kongese qualifications

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

5*55 in Physics and 2 other elective subjects plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5 in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

American qualifications

Advanced Placement Tests

You will also need to pass your High School Diploma and achieve an ACT score of 30 or SATR scores of 740 in both Mathematics and Evidence based Reading and Writing.

SAT Subject Tests

We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

German qualifications

Abitur

1.3 overall with 14, 13 in Mathematics and Physics.

The required grades in Mathematics and Physics must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

European Baccalaureate

We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements

Singaporean qualifications

Singapore A levels

Polytechnic Diploma (3 years)

We are unable to consider a Polytechnic Diploma for our Physics degrees.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept GCE and International A levels and the IB Diploma whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

Advanced Placement Tests

We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

Cypriot qualifications

Apolytirion (awarded 2019 onwards)

19 in the Apolytirion with 19,18 in Advanced Mathematics and Advanced Physics.

If you are studying A levels alongside an Apolytirion and receive an offer for this course we will make you both the standard offer and an alternative offer including your A levels. The offer including A levels will be the same as the offer for Apolytirions awarded before 2019.

Apolytirion (awarded before 2019)

19 in the Apolytirion plus A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics.

We cannot accept the Apolytirion awarded before 2019 unless it is studied alongside A levels.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences. If you are studying an Access to HE Diploma, please make sure that your UCAS application is submitted by 15th January 2019: if you apply after this deadline, then it may be too late for us to include you in our interview process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Immigration requirements

This MPhys degree is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Unless you are a UK, EEA or Swiss national you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.